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The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust

Service Manager

The closing date is 11 January 2026

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Job summary

Are you an experienced operational leader with a proven track record in managing complex healthcare services? We are seeking a Service Manager to join our team and play a pivotal role in delivering high-quality, patient-centred care. We have roles in the following specialities: General Surgery/ Upper GI, Vascular, Surgical IP Wards Adult Emergency Department & Same Day Emergency Care Cardiology & Respiratory Medical Wards, General Medicine and Palliative Care Maternity, Community Maternity and EPU

Main duties of the job

As a Service Manager, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across a portfolio of services within the Care Group. Working closely with Clinical Leads, Matrons, and senior managers, you will: Lead day-to-day service operations, ensuring safe, efficient, and effective delivery. Drive performance against national and local targets, including RTT, UEC, and cancer standards. Manage budgets and resources, ensuring financial sustainability and cost-effectiveness. Lead service redesign and transformation projects, improving patient flow and pathways. Oversee governance, risk management, and compliance with CQC and NHS standards. You will also deputise for the General Manager and take a divisional lead on key projects such as demand and capacity planning, theatre efficiency, and length-of-stay reduction. Champion staff engagement and development, fostering a culture of inclusion and excellence.

About us

The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) is proud to care for the communities of West Essex, delivering safe, compassionate, and high-quality services. We are part of the Neighbourhood Wave; a national programme thats changing how care is delivered by focusing on prevention, early support, and more joined-up services across health, social care, and the voluntary sector. This means were working more closely with local partners to bring care closer to home and support people to live healthier, more independent lives. Were a supportive and inclusive organisation that values its people. We offer development opportunities, flexible working, and a strong focus on wellbeing. As a Disability Confident and equal opportunities employer, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences. Join us and help shape the future of care in West Essex.

Details

Date posted

07 January 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 8a

Salary

£57,888 to £64,880 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

000340

Job locations

The Princess Alexandra Hospital

Harlow

Essex

CM20 1QX


Job description

Job responsibilities

Our Way Forward We are implementing a new divisional structure that strengthens accountability, integration, and patient-centred care. This is an exciting time to join us as we embed transformation, break down silos, and create a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement. As Service Manager, you will be at the forefront of this change.

What we are looking for:

  • Educated to Master’s level or equivalent experience
  • Significant operational management experience, including managing large multidisciplinary teams
  • Proven ability to lead service redesign and strategic change
  • Strong understanding of NHS governance, performance targets, and risk management
  • Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills

Job description

Job responsibilities

Our Way Forward We are implementing a new divisional structure that strengthens accountability, integration, and patient-centred care. This is an exciting time to join us as we embed transformation, break down silos, and create a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement. As Service Manager, you will be at the forefront of this change.

What we are looking for:

  • Educated to Master’s level or equivalent experience
  • Significant operational management experience, including managing large multidisciplinary teams
  • Proven ability to lead service redesign and strategic change
  • Strong understanding of NHS governance, performance targets, and risk management
  • Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Educated to a masters degree level or equivalent qualifications or
  • experience
  • Recognised post-graduate management qualification or equivalent
  • experience

Experience

Essential

  • Proven general and operational management experience to include the management of a large multi-disciplinary group of staff part of which to have been in the NHS
  • A proven record of success in managing significant operational / strategic change whilst also developing and maintaining the provision of a high-quality service, within a clinical setting, with multidisciplinary teams

Desirable

  • Experience in managing quality/ clinical audit/ clinical governance/ risk
  • management issues
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Educated to a masters degree level or equivalent qualifications or
  • experience
  • Recognised post-graduate management qualification or equivalent
  • experience

Experience

Essential

  • Proven general and operational management experience to include the management of a large multi-disciplinary group of staff part of which to have been in the NHS
  • A proven record of success in managing significant operational / strategic change whilst also developing and maintaining the provision of a high-quality service, within a clinical setting, with multidisciplinary teams

Desirable

  • Experience in managing quality/ clinical audit/ clinical governance/ risk
  • management issues

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer details

Employer name

The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust

Address

The Princess Alexandra Hospital

Harlow

Essex

CM20 1QX


Employer's website

https://www.pah.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust

Address

The Princess Alexandra Hospital

Harlow

Essex

CM20 1QX


Employer's website

https://www.pah.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Divisional Director

Gail De Souza

gail.desouza@nhs.net

Details

Date posted

07 January 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 8a

Salary

£57,888 to £64,880 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

000340

Job locations

The Princess Alexandra Hospital

Harlow

Essex

CM20 1QX


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